Lufthansa’s flight change policy allows passengers to modify their travel dates or times, with rules and fees depending on the fare type. Many flexible fares permit free changes, while lower-cost fares may require a change fee plus any fare difference.
Travel plans often change unexpectedly due to business commitments, personal reasons, or sudden emergencies. To accommodate such situations, Lufthansa, one of Europe’s largest and most reliable carriers, has established a flexible and passenger-friendly policy for modifying flight bookings. This detailed guide provides a complete explanation of the Lufthansa Airlines Change Flight Policy, including rules, fees, eligibility, steps to change your ticket, and tips to avoid additional charges.
1. Introduction to Lufthansa’s Change Flight Policy
Lufthansa offers various fare types, each with different levels of flexibility. Your ability to change a flight—along with whether you will pay a fee—depends primarily on:
The fare type purchased
How far in advance you make the change
Availability of seats on the new flight
Fare difference between the original and new flights
Whether your flight is operated by Lufthansa itself or a partner airline
Overall, the Lufthansa Airlines Change Flight Policy is designed to provide passengers with multiple options to adjust their itinerary with minimal complications.
2. Lufthansa Fare Types and Their Flexibility
Lufthansa offers different fare families across Economy, Premium Economy, Business, and First Class. Each comes with its own rules regarding flight changes.
a. Economy Light
The least flexible fare.
Changing flights is usually not allowed, or it requires paying a significant fee.
Fare difference must always be paid.
Best for budget travelers who are certain of their travel plans.
b. Economy Classic
Moderate flexibility.
Changes are allowed for a reasonable change fee.
Fare difference applies.
A good choice if you want flexibility without paying a premium.
c. Economy Flex
Highly flexible.
Many changes can be made free of charge.
Only fare difference applies.
Ideal for travelers with uncertain schedules.
d. Premium Economy, Business, and First Class
All premium fares offer maximum flexibility.
Changes are often completely free, depending on the fare rules.
Fare difference applies if the new flight is priced higher.
Perfect for frequent and business travelers.
Understanding your fare category is crucial in determining change eligibility.
3. Lufthansa’s 24-Hour Risk-Free Change Option
Like many major airlines, Lufthansa offers a 24-hour risk-free change and cancellation period, especially for flights booked directly through the airline.
Within this window:
You can change your flight without any change fee.
Your departure date must be at least 7 days away in most cases.
You may still need to pay fare difference if the new flight is more expensive.
This grace period is extremely helpful for travelers who may need to adjust plans shortly after booking.
4. Same-Day Flight Change Policy
Lufthansa offers options for same-day flight changes, allowing passengers to move to an earlier or later flight on the same day as their original departure.
Generally available for passengers traveling within Europe or on select international routes.
Seats must be available in the same booking class.
Change fees may apply depending on fare type.
Premium fares often allow same-day changes for free.
Same-day changes are excellent for travelers whose schedules may shift at the last minute.
5. How to Change Your Lufthansa Flight
Lufthansa provides several convenient methods to modify your booking.
a. Change Flight Online (Recommended)
Visit Lufthansa’s official website.
Go to “My Bookings”.
Enter your booking code and last name.
Select the flight you want to change.
View available flight options.
Pay any applicable fees or fare differences.
Receive a new confirmation email.
Online flight changes are typically faster and more cost-efficient.
b. Change via the Lufthansa Mobile App
Provides the same options as the website.
Ideal for travelers who need to make quick changes on the go.
c. Contacting Lufthansa Customer Service
Recommended when:
You booked through a travel agency
You have a complex itinerary
Online changes are not available
You require special assistance (medical, pet travel, infants)
d. Airport Ticket Counter
Useful for last-minute changes or same-day adjustments.
e. Third-Party Bookings
If you booked through:
Expedia
MakeMyTrip
Kayak
A travel agency
Then the change must be requested through the original booking source, not Lufthansa directly.
6. Lufthansa Change Fees and Fare Differences
a. Change Fee
The fee depends on the fare type and route.
Economy Light usually has the highest change fee.
Economy Classic may have moderate fees.
Economy Flex and Premium fares often allow free changes.
b. Fare Difference
Regardless of the fare, Lufthansa requires payment of:
The difference between the new fare and the original one.
If the new flight is cheaper, some fares may offer partial refunds or credits.
Understanding these costs helps avoid surprises during modification.
7. Changes When Lufthansa Modifies Your Flight
Sometimes Lufthansa may reschedule or cancel flights due to operational issues, weather conditions, or regulatory requirements. In such cases:
You can rebook to a different flight free of charge.
You may choose an entirely different date within their allowed rebooking period.
If the new schedule doesn’t suit you, you may request a refund.
You can also rebook onto a partner airline in certain situations.
This part of the Lufthansa Airlines Change Flight Policy protects passengers from unavoidable disruptions.
8. Changing Award Tickets (Miles & More)
For travelers using Lufthansa’s frequent flyer program:
Award ticket changes depend on fare rules in the Miles & More program.
Some award tickets allow changes for a small fee.
Elite members receive more flexible change options.
Fare/miles difference applies when moving to a higher-class ticket.
9. Exceptions and Special Circumstances
Lufthansa may offer fee waivers in limited cases such as:
Severe weather or natural disasters
Political instability
Medical emergencies (with documentation)
Death of a passenger or immediate family member
In such events, contacting customer service directly ensures proper handling.
10. Tips to Avoid High Change Fees
Book directly with Lufthansa to get the best online modification options.
Choose Economy Flex or premium fares if your plans may change.
Make changes within the 24-hour risk-free window.
Compare ticket prices before confirming changes to avoid large fare differences.
Sign up for flight alerts so you can catch opportunities if Lufthansa alters your schedule.
Consider purchasing travel insurance if your trip is uncertain.
These strategies help ensure maximum flexibility and cost savings.
Conclusion
The Lufthansa Airlines Change Flight Policy is designed to offer passengers a balance of flexibility, clarity, and convenience. While some fare types provide full modification freedom, others may require fees or fare differences. Understanding your booking class, planning ahead, and using the 24-hour risk-free window can help you make stress-free changes without paying extra.
Whether you're traveling for business, leisure, or unexpected reasons, Lufthansa’s well-structured policy ensures you can adjust your travel plans smoothly and efficiently.